Black Skin, White Masks

by

Frantz Fanon

Catharsis is a concept that comes from Ancient Greek tragedy, and originally meant “cleansing.” In psychoanalysis it refers to the release of negative psychic energy, a process which allows people to resolve their unconscious conflicts and recover from past traumas.
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Catharsis Term Timeline in Black Skin, White Masks

The timeline below shows where the term Catharsis appears in Black Skin, White Masks. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 6: The Black Man and Psychopathology
Colonialism, Diaspora, and Alienation Theme Icon
Material vs. Psychological Oppression Theme Icon
Self-Image and Self-Hatred Theme Icon
Desire, Aspiration, and Competition Theme Icon
Fanon suggests that the solution to this widespread psychological damage is “collective catharsis.” All societies need to have avenues through which people can express their anger. Children’s comics... (full context)